What are the Best Activities to Do in Portland?

Portland is the biggest city in the state of Oregon, offering a range of fantastic activities and opportunities to its citizens and visitors. Famed for its exciting culture, great shopping, unparalleled nightlife and vibrant art and music scenes, Portland is a great choice for anyone looking for a fantastic weekend getaway. But with so many great things to do, what are the best activities to do in Portland?

Explore Portland’s Unbelievable Nature

Portland is home to one of the most expansive urban parks in the entire United States. Forest Park, located just minutes away from downtown Portland, boasts nearly 5,000 acres of wild land, with over 70 miles of trails, all accessible to the public. It’s an incredible opportunity for hikers, strollers, mountain bikers and anyone else who wants to explore the stunning beauty of this great city. There are places to camp and picnic, and even a nature center where you can learn about the flora and fauna of the park. If you’re feeling brave, you can take on the Wildwood Trail: at just under 30 miles, it’s the longest trail in the park, taking you through forests, meadows and along secluded rivers.

If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, head over to Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Located right next to downtown, this riverside setting is perfect for taking a stroll, or just sitting back on the grass and admiring the views. Newly-built sections of bike path allow cyclists to take a safe journey along the river while enjoying the sights. The park is also home to an amphitheater, with free performances on special occasions throughout the year.

Explore Portland’s Gastronomic Wonders

Although Portland isn’t as well-known internationally as other cities in the Pacific North-West such as Seattle and Vancouver, it has a fantastic lineup of food establishments. Of course you can find all the familiar favorites: burgers, Chinese food and Mexican restaurants, but if you look beyond that you’ll discover plenty of local regional fare—the most popular cuisine being West Coast Mexican food. Thanks to its proximity to Mexico, you’ll find some of the tastiest tacos and burritos around! And if that’s not enough, some of the city’s most famous restaurants offer excellent fine dining experiences—such as Pok Pok and Le Pigeon—which serve up delicious treats made with locally sourced ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds.

One of the best things about dining in Portland is being able to visit some of its renowned food trucks. These popular units serve up delicious meals like you wouldn’t believe—from gourmet tacos to innovative street foods from all over the world. You can usually find them on Street 10 NW, in front of Pioneer Square, or tucked away in various spots around town. Whatever cuisine you’re looking for—from Mexican to Indian—you’re sure to find something delicious!

Experience Portland’s Fun Nightlife Scene

Once you’ve filled up on all that amazing food, it’s time to explore Portland’s hopping nightlife scene. Whether you’re looking for an intimate bar or club experience or an all-out party scene, you won’t be disappointed in this city. You can find anything from chilled jazz clubs with intimate vibes, to large dance clubs where people come out to get down and boogie till the small hours of the morning.

You’ll also find plenty of pubs and bars—both casual and sophisticated—from which to choose. If you’re between 21 and 35 years old, then Burnside Street is the spot to go: here you’ll find a mix of dive bars, hipster joints and quirky restaurants where you can grab a drink and mingle with locals. Under-age clubbers should check out Hawthorne Street instead: located just south of downtown it’s full of cool places for dancing plus popular concert venues like the Roseland Theater.

Go On An Urban Adventure

If clubbing and bar-hopping isn’t your thing, then why not try an urban adventure experience? From skydiving to rock climbing and tethered balloon rides to hidden speakeasies, there are plenty of ways to make your visit to Portland truly memorable. The best way to explore this vibrant city is on foot or bike: explore its famous neighborhoods such as Southeast Hawthorne or Chinatown, take photos of its beautiful street art or take a tour around its iconic landmarks. Public transportation is also top-notch in Portland: thanks to its reliable light rail services and revitalized bus lines you can reach any part of town within minutes.

However if you’re looking for an exciting night out then one of the best activities to do in Portland is a Ghost Tour! These tours take you by foot through some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods while local guides regale you with tales of hauntings and urban legends that will make your hair stand on end. The tours usually include stops at various pubs and bars—many with their own haunted pasts—where you can enjoy a refreshing drink afterwards (or before). For an even more adventurous experience, why not go on a Haunted History Tour & Pub Crawl? This guided tour takes you through some of the most notorious areas in Portland—with plenty of moments for you to join in on eerie games and fun activities along the way–while entertaining guides tell stories from Portland’s supernatural past! To really up the ante why not book yourself onto Portland: Haunted History Tour and Pub Crawl – with its unique combination of sightseeing and comedy this tour is one of the most popular among tourists and locals alike!

No matter what your age or interests there’s something for everyone to do in Portland – exploring its landscape, tastes and culture are all part of its charm. From enjoying its gastronomic offerings to urban adventures –we promise you won’t be disappointed in what this incredible city has to offer!